Start your morning off right with an Americano coffee! Our easy-to-follow recipe will have you sipping on a perfectly balanced cup every time. Why not give it a try and enjoy the classic cocktail in drink form?
The Americano: A Classic Cocktail Of Campari, Sweet Vermouth & Soda Water
The Americano cocktail is a classic Italian drink made with equal parts Campari, sweet vermouth and soda water. It’s thought to have been created in the late 1800s when an Italian bartender added a splash of soda water to an old-fashioned made with Campari and sweet vermouth. This gave rise to the basic recipe for this timeless classic.
Originally known as the Milano-Torino, it was renamed by Americans who were frequenting Italy at the time of its creation. The theory behind this is that they wanted something more similar to what they were used back home – namely whiskey based drinks like Manhattans or Old Fashioneds – but which weren’t available due to Italy’s strict liquor laws. The result was this bright red elixir which is still popular today.
Over time, the Americano has become one of Italy’s most beloved cocktails and can be found on bar menus all over Europe. Its unique flavor profile makes it perfect for any occasion, from after dinner drinks to summer spritzers; no matter what your preference may be there’s sure to be an Americano variant that will please even your most discerning guests.
The Americano
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- -1.5 ounces Campari
- -1.5 ounces sweet vermouth preferably red
- -3 ounces soda water
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes and set aside.
- In a mixing glass, combine the Campari and sweet vermouth with 1/4 cup of ice cubes and stir for about 30 seconds until combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass over fresh ice cubes, top off with soda water and stir gently to combine before serving.
Glassware
When it comes to glassware for the Americano, a tall Collins glass is traditionally used. The highball allows for plenty of ice and soda water to be added, resulting in a refreshing drink perfect for warm summer days. If you prefer something more elegant, an Italian style champagne flute can also be used, allowing the red hue of the Campari to shine through.
Flavors
The classic Italian Negroni cocktail is a flavorful and refreshing combination of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. This delightful beverage has a unique flavor profile, thanks to its three distinct ingredients. The Campari brings an intense bitterness that is balanced by the sweetness of the vermouth. The addition of soda water lightens up the drink while also adding some effervescence to it. Together, these three ingredients create an unforgettable flavor experience that will leave you wanting more.
Campari itself is an aromatic bitter liqueur with herbal notes and hints of citrus that add complexity to any drink it’s included in. Sweet vermouth lends a pleasant sweetness to offset the Campari’s bitterness while bringing additional herbal notes as well as hints of vanilla or almond flavors into play. Finally, the sparkling soda provides just enough fizziness without overpowering any other elements in this simple but delicious cocktail.
3 Tips for Making Your Americano
- 1. Purchase high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Campari and sweet vermouth are key components of this drink, so be sure to purchase top-shelf brands for the most flavorful experience.
- 2. For a sweeter cocktail, use a dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth. The dry version will help cut through some of the bitterness from the Campari and offer an interesting flavor combination that is more balanced than just using only sweet vermouth in the recipe.
- 3. If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice to brighten up the taste of this cocktail before serving it!
